Pan-Seared Cassava Cakes with Spiced Brazilian Cheese Filling
Golden pan-seared cassava cakes encasing a warm, spiced cheese filling inspired by Brazilian street food. This brazilian-inspired snacks ready in about 35 minutes layers cassava (yuca) root, peeled and grated, salt, black pepper into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cassava (yuca) root, peeled and grated
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 2 cups peeled and grated cassava in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the grated cassava with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup cream cheese, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to create the cheese filling.
- Step 4: Divide the cassava mixture into 8 equal portions. Flatten one portion in your palm, place about 2 tbsp of the cheese filling in the center, then cover with another flattened portion and seal edges, forming a thick cake.
- Step 5: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cassava cakes and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy on the outside and the cheese inside is melted.
- Step 6: Remove from skillet and serve warm as a snack or appetizer.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Cassava Cakes with Spiced Brazilian Cheese Filling take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Cassava Cakes with Spiced Brazilian Cheese Filling?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Cassava Cakes with Spiced Brazilian Cheese Filling?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Pan-Seared Cassava Cakes with Spiced Brazilian Cheese Filling for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Cassava Cakes with Spiced Brazilian Cheese Filling?
Brazilian snacks like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
